Janice Deane Swords, 76, of Fitzgerald, died Saturday, October 4, 2025, as a result of an automobile accident.
Memorial services will be held 4 PM, Sunday, October 12, 2025, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with Christian Reese officiating. The family will greet friends following the services.
Ms. Swords was born December 13, 1948, in Munich, Germany, to the late Larry Gant and Helen Willingham Swords. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Ms. Swords retired as a Counselor for Florida Department of Family and Children Services, as well as Wilcox State Prison. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Ocilla, Georgia.
She is survived by her daughter, Jodi Wilson of Fitzgerald; grandsons: Matthew Kangas, Bleu Wilson and Gray Wilson; great grandson, Eli Kangas; sister, Linda Zinnicker of Owasso, Oklahoma; nieces, Christina Speldie and Melinda Zinnicker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jon Gant Kangas.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.